Budget amendment could put $3M toward addressing illegal dumping in Houston

“Illegal dumping is a serious public health, drainage, safety and quality-of-life issue, and this amendment puts dedicated resources behind a solution,” Salinas said in the release. “Residents have filed thousands of complaints, community leaders are calling for action and the city’s own study identified the critical need.”

Salinas added that the amendment is backed by community members and is an investment in preventing illegal dumping.

Some background

If approved, funding would transfer $3 million from a $37.5 million allocation for Houston Public Works management consulting services. Funding would go toward:

• Additional solid waste workers
• Equipment and roll-off dumpster services
• More access to legal disposal sites
• CCTV cameras and signage at chronic dump sites
• Cleanup
• Enforcement support
• Education on legal disposal options

One more thing

The amendment will be voted on as part of City Council’s FY 2026-27 budget process June 10.